Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Judge orders fired probationary employees to be rehired immediately
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Friday, March 14, 2025
Park ranger at Joshua Tree National Park. Emily Hassell/NPS ([link removed])
A federal judge ordered ([link removed]) federal agencies to rehire tens of thousands of probationary employees who were fired in recent weeks, finding the termination of probationary federal employees illegal because the Office of Personnel Management had no authority ([link removed]) to order it. The ruling ordered federal departments including Interior and the Forest Service to immediately offer all fired probationary employees their jobs back.
U.S. District Judge William Alsup said the administration's dishonest attempt to attribute the firings to poor performance was unlawful. “It is sad, a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie,” Alsup said ([link removed]) .
The ruling does not guarantee all workers will have their jobs back permanently. Federal agencies are reportedly finalizing their “reduction in force” plans ([link removed]) , and still have the authority to implement those plans as long as they follow the correct procedures.
Conservation champion Representative Raúl Grijalva dies
Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva died Thursday morning ([link removed]) , according to a statement ([link removed]) from his office. Grijalva served for years as chair and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’ll remember Congressman Grijalva as one of America’s great conservation champions,” said Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala ([link removed]) . “He dedicated his career to public service, fighting tirelessly for Westerners and the public lands that we all love. Congress won’t be the same without Raúl Grijalva, but he leaves a legacy that every American can proudly pass along to our kids and grandkids.”
** Quick hits
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Interior Secretary Burgum eyes national monuments for energy resources
Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
America's clean-energy industry is growing despite Trump's attacks. At least for now
NPR ([link removed])
Opinion: Our national parks, monuments, and public lands are in danger. We don’t deserve it
San Diego Union-Tribune ([link removed])
Judge orders fired probationary employees to be rehired immediately
E&E News ([link removed]) | National Parks Traveler ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed]) | ABC News ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed])
As Trump attempts to reform federal government, hunters and anglers face ‘unintended consequences’
Outdoor Life ([link removed])
Opinion: The places that hold our nation’s stories are not for sale
Tucson Sentinel ([link removed])
Former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee speaks against DOGE cuts in Montana
KBZK Bozeman ([link removed])
California senator presses White House to approve Yosemite's reservation system now
SF Gate ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” I served nearly 7 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat engineer officer, leading teams in challenging environments and ensuring operational success. My job required me to anticipate threats, protect our forces, and secure critical infrastructure. Now, I see a different kind of threat — one that strikes at the heart of our national identity — a direct assault on our national parks, monuments, and public lands.”
—Janessa Goldbeck, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, San Diego Union-Tribune ([link removed])
** Picture This
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[link removed]
@nationalparkservice ([link removed])
Deer dance-off ahead. If you proceed, be prepared to “bring it.”
Oh, it’s already been broughten. Alright, we know what you’re thinking. 🎵Everybody was Kung Fu fighting…
No? Well, you are now. You’re welcome. So, what exactly is happening here? Dance-off? Disagreement? Tryouts for Deer Mania IV: Fawns of Fury? Wow! Those dance moves slap! Oh, that’s a hoof.
Deer, including females or does, will look to assert dominance or spar over territory while competing for food and resources. Strategy varies, but a signature move is to bring its front leg up and into its body and then slamming the hoof to the ground in a forceful manner. Think Hulk smash! This can be paired with a hard stare (imagine blue steel + annoyed mom over your antics + a dash of disapproving librarian when you’re too loud in the study area vibe), and an old favorite, hoof slapping. This is where the hoof, well, slaps or kicks. What went down in this incident? There was a bit of boxing lunges, probably some deer insults levied, a kick or two but otherwise no major blows were landed before the conflicted ended. All is good. (Deer turns and employs a melting stare!)
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